Once you’ve figured out which general spa or beauty field you want to pursue, you can certainly choose to specialize even further. There are so many options in all aspects of your general spa or beauty interest – it’s hard to name them all. For instance, have you ever considered an infant massage career? Who knew that massage existed for individuals of all ages?

Now, you may be asking: why in the world does an infant need a massage?! Well, according to the International Institute of Infant Massage, infant massage promotes emotional health and a nurturing atmosphere. Through infant massage, infants form attachments to their caregivers and continue a feeling of safety and warmth.

With an infant massage certification, you can truly be an integral part in the lives of those just starting their families. And massage therapists are not the only ones who can become certified. In fact, a wide variety of professionals who work with children can obtain their infant massage certification. From occupational therapists and physical therapists to speech pathologists and social workers, infant massage specialists have a variety of backgrounds. However, they all have one thing in common: a love for children and families and a desire to help others learn.

An interest is a key first step to studying infant massage therapy. By researching a little deeper and finding a program that suits your needs (ie, location, tuition, flexibility), you’ll be on your way to achieving your goals. Explore infant massage certification today to get going on your infant massage career!

-Amanda Fornecker

“Back to school, back to school, to prove to Dad that I am not a fool!” So said Adam Sandler in Billy Madison. It’s the attitude around this time every year – the summer is winding down and the anxiety of an impending year is beginning to hit some. And to think that you could actually be in this situation as well is even more exciting.

It’s still early enough that you can begin your quest for knowledge at beauty school or spa school and get started right away. Most beauty school programs have classes that begin every few weeks – all you need is an interest and passion in the material. And, nowadays, it’s even easier to enroll when the very possibility of enrollment is right at your fingertips.

A recent article on KansasCity.com highlighted a local hair salon that has been in operation for 47 years – ever since owner Judy Gaume began her hair styling career. A weekly patron, Patricia Gaunce, put the very essence of a hair stylist perfectly in the article: “It’s like finding a doctor you can trust,” she says. “Once you find a hairdresser you like, you stay with her. Before I met Judy, I had never really gone to the salon. But that changed. I’m not a smoker. I’ve never been a drinker. But I go to the beauty shop.”

I, personally, am always so nervous to find a new hair stylist. And I know I’m not the only nervous nelly. In fact, most of my experiences with hair stylists have come via recommendations of people I trust. It’s a scary thought to imagine that anyone can mess up your daily appearance. And sure, hair grows back, but we want to look our best all the time.

An interest in styling hair would certainly be a must to begin a beauty school program. But, as I mentioned, this is the time to really follow your desires (no matter what your age) and form relationships just as Judy has.

Do your research and apply to beauty school today!

-Amanda Fornecker

Holistic health careers are becoming more and more popular these days. But what does a holistic career actually entail?

Holistic health professionals look at the whole picture with their patients. It is not just about a physical condition, but also about the mental and social situations that a person faces each day. Additionally, holistic professions tend to treat patients with more natural means in order to cure their ailments. Some of the alternative methods holistic health professionals use include acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and herbology. There are a variety of professions that can be considered holistic and it is a good idea to become certified in a holistic health career in order to ensure that you have the best knowledge and holistic health training possible. Check out some of these cool holistic health careers…

Holistic Skin Care – there’s a lot involved with properly caring for your skin and holistic skin care professionals know it all. Being that your skin is the largest organ in your body and your pores allow for absorption from the outside world, it’s important to treat your skin the right way. Holistic skin care professionals treat skin conditions, such as acne, sun damage, rosacea, the natural aging process, and more.

Herbal Medicine – the prescriptions that we take can certainly be dangerous and dependent on many factors. With herbal medicine, holistic health care professionals attempt to use a more natural approach to curing your ailments. Some important aspects of an herbal medicine education include aromatherapy, Chinese medicine, herbal pharmacy and more.

Chiropractic Schools – work out any kinks in your career by getting a chiropractic education. Within this holistic career, professionals are able to help patients who have physical ailments with more natural means than prescribing a painkiller. Those who enter chiropractic schools will face a very intense program in order to ensure they have the best holistic training possible to help others.

For additional information on holistic health careers, visit the American Holistic Health Association.

-Amanda Fornecker

This story proves that it’s never too late to go back to school – and enjoy it! Ann Dauk is an 85-year-old beautician who decided to go back to school after being in a salon for almost 70 years. At the age of 17, Dauk began styling in a hair salon at a time when cosmetology schools and degrees were not as popular as they are today. She recently told a Minnesota news station that she decided to get with the times and officially obtain her re-certification.

Dauk learns not only from the instructors at her Mankato cosmetology school, but also from the other students. In fact, Dauk is able to influence the students around her, as well. She’s one of the most outgoing and excited students at the school and seems to be enjoying every minute of it.

The point of this is that it really is never too late to go back. No matter what you’re interests or experience, you can always go to school to pursue your dreams. Sometimes it’s after the kids have grown up and grandkids are on the way. Other times it’s solely to go after a goal. And then there are times when you’ve been in an industry so long, you want to brush up on the latest skills out there.

No matter what your dream, you can always have the option to go back to school. You just need to do the research first. Get started today on a career path that will help you fulfill your goals.

Check out this link for more on Dauk’s story.

-Amanda Fornecker